Environment and Planning

Gonzaga University Pledges Zero Emissions As 'Moral Imperative'

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:26:58 +0000

Leaders at Gonzaga University are asking "What Would Jesus Do" about climate change? The Jesuit school has adopted a plan for zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.

Feds To Relocate Rare Deer Threatened By Failing Dike

Tom Banse — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:32:48 +0000

A federal agency plans a major effort to preemptively rescue about 65 deer upriver from Astoria. The animals live on a floodplain beside the lower Columbia River.

These aren't just any deer. They're an endangered species: the Columbian white-tailed deer. One of this animal's strongholds is a national wildlife refuge near Cathlamet, Washington.

Canadian Smelter Found Liable For U.S. Pollution

Courtney Flatt — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 02:21:30 +0000

A federal judge Friday found a Canadian smelter responsible for the millions of tons of pollutants it dumped into the Columbia River.

Oregon Considers Limits On Rodent Killing Devices

Virginia Alvino — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:55:48 +0000

An Oregon man injured by an explosive rodent killing device is pushing lawmakers to regulate the machines. The issue was the subject of a hearing at the state capitol Tuesday.

Hanford Planning Document Leaves A Key Question Dangling

Anna King — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:35:26 +0000

Washington environmental regulators say a new 6,000 page plan for the Hanford Nuclear Reservation is very useful. But it lacks a definitive path forward for treating a large part of the radioactive sludge there.

Mazama Pocket Gopher Slated To Join Endangered Species List

Tom Banse — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 02:18:41 +0000

For the third time this fall, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to add a Northwest meadow critter to the endangered species list. This time, it's the Mazama pocket gopher. But, the listing is fairly limited.

New Federal Plan Forward On Hanford Tank Farms Coming Soon

Anna King — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 02:18:01 +0000

The federal government plans to release a major document early next week that could guide a couple of decades worth of cleanup at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. This is important because it maps out decisions like where to bury the radioactive waste, and how much to leave in place.

More State Forestland Protected For Spotted Owl In Oregon

Rob Manning — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:27:26 +0000

The new map of protected habitat for the northern spotted owl affects far more state forestland in Oregon than in Washington or California.

Gregoire Announces 3.3 Million To Tackle Ocean Acidification

Ashley Ahearn — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:58:41 +0000

Gov. Chris Gregoire has just released a long awaited report on ocean acidification. At a public ceremony today she announced major funding for the execution of some of the report’s recommendations.

Judge Halts Logging In Oregon State Forests

Rachael McDonald — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:49:55 +0000

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction halting 11 timber sales in Oregon’s state forests. The state is being sued by three conservation groups who say the logging projects imperil a federally protected seabird.